Quick Answer: Both work. String floss is better at scraping plaque off tight tooth contacts. Waterpik (water flosser) is better for braces, implants, gum pockets, and hard-to-reach areas—and studies show it reduces bleeding and gingivitis more effectively. The ADA accepts both methods. The best interdental cleaner is whichever one you'll actually use every day. For optimal results, use both.
Only about 30% of Americans floss daily. The main reason? It's tedious, uncomfortable, and easy to skip. Water flossers like the Waterpik promise to make interdental cleaning faster and more pleasant—but do they actually clean as well as old-fashioned string floss?
Here's what the research shows and how to decide which method is right for you.
Quick Comparison: Waterpik vs String Floss
| Factor | Waterpik | String Floss |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque removal | Good (flushes loose plaque) | Excellent (scrapes adherent plaque) |
| Gum bleeding reduction | Superior (up to 93% more effective) | Good |
| Around braces | Excellent (3x more effective) | Difficult and time-consuming |
| Implants/bridges | Excellent | Limited access |
| Deep gum pockets | Reaches 6mm+ pockets | Reaches 2–3mm only |
| Time per session | 1–2 minutes | 3–5 minutes |
| Ease of use | Easy (point and spray) | Requires technique |
| Upfront cost | $40–$100 | $2–$5 |
| Portability | Limited (cordless options available) | Excellent (fits in pocket) |
| ADA accepted | Yes | Yes |
How a Waterpik Works
A Waterpik (water flosser) uses a pressurized stream of pulsating water to flush food debris, bacteria, and plaque from between teeth and below the gumline. The pulsating action creates a compression-decompression cycle that disrupts biofilm and reaches areas that string floss physically cannot access.
Key Advantages
- Reaches deep periodontal pockets: Water penetrates 6mm or deeper below the gumline—string floss only reaches 2–3mm
- Gentle on gums: No snapping, cutting, or abrading gum tissue
- Ideal for dental work: Safely cleans around braces, implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers without catching or pulling
- Faster: Full mouth in 60–90 seconds vs 3–5 minutes for thorough string flossing
- Better compliance: Studies show people are more likely to use a water flosser consistently than string floss
Types of Water Flossers
- Countertop (Waterpik Aquarius): Most powerful, largest reservoir, best for home use
- Cordless/portable: Battery-powered, travel-friendly, smaller reservoir
- Shower flossers: Attach to showerhead—convenient but less powerful
- Flosser-toothbrush combos: Combine sonic brushing with water flossing
How String Flossing Works
Traditional string floss uses mechanical friction to physically scrape plaque off the sides of teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. When done correctly, floss wraps in a C-shape around each tooth and slides up and down to remove the sticky biofilm that causes cavities and gum disease.
Key Advantages
- Superior scraping action: Physically removes tightly adhered plaque from tooth surfaces more effectively than water pressure
- No equipment needed: A $3 container lasts a month or more
- Portable: Fits in a pocket, purse, or desk drawer—use it anywhere
- No batteries or charging: Always ready to use
- Decades of research: The gold standard with the longest track record
Types of String Floss
- Waxed floss: Slides more easily between tight contacts
- Unwaxed floss: Thinner, may grip plaque better but shreds more easily
- Dental tape: Wider, flat design for wider gaps or sensitive gums
- Floss picks: Pre-threaded on a plastic handle—easier but less effective than spool floss
- Super floss: Stiffened end for threading under bridges and around braces
What the Research Says
Multiple clinical studies have compared water flossing to string flossing. Here's what the evidence shows:
Key Study Findings
- Gingivitis reduction: A 2013 Journal of Clinical Dentistry study found the Waterpik was 51% more effective than string floss at reducing gingivitis and 2x as effective at reducing gingival bleeding
- Braces: Water flossers removed 3x more plaque around orthodontic brackets than string floss, and reduced bleeding by 26% more
- Implants: Water flossers were 2x as effective as string floss at reducing bleeding around implants
- Plaque removal: String floss removes slightly more interproximal plaque in healthy, tight contacts. Water flossers remove more subgingival plaque in periodontal pockets
Bottom line from research: Neither method is universally superior. String floss wins for tight contacts between healthy teeth. Waterpik wins for gum health, dental work, and hard-to-reach areas. Both are clinically effective and ADA-accepted.
Who Should Use Which?
A Waterpik Is Better For:
- Braces or orthodontic appliances: Water cleans around brackets and wires without getting stuck
- Dental implants: Gentle cleaning without scratching titanium surfaces
- Bridges and crowns: Flushes beneath fixed dental work
- Periodontal disease: Reaches deep pockets where bacteria hide
- Arthritis or limited dexterity: Much easier than manipulating string floss
- People who hate flossing: Higher compliance means better long-term outcomes
- Wide spaces between teeth: Water flushes effectively where floss may not grip
String Floss Is Better For:
- Very tight contacts: Physical scraping removes plaque that water pressure may miss
- Travel: No equipment to pack or charge
- Budget-conscious: Minimal ongoing cost
- Quick touch-ups: Grab a floss pick after a meal in seconds
- Already established habit: If you consistently floss daily, keep doing what works
Best Water Flossers in 2026
| Model | Type | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterpik Aquarius WP-660 | Countertop | Best overall, 10 pressure settings | ~$70 |
| Waterpik Cordless Advanced | Cordless | Travel, small bathrooms | ~$55 |
| Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 | Combo | Brush + floss in one device | ~$100 |
| Bitvae C2 | Cordless | Budget-friendly alternative | ~$30 |
Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Waterpik Tips
- Start on the lowest pressure setting and increase gradually as gums adapt
- Lean over the sink and let water flow out of your mouth while using
- Trace the gumline, pausing briefly between each tooth
- Use warm water for comfort (you can also add a small amount of mouthwash)
- Use the orthodontic tip for braces, the pik pocket tip for periodontal pockets
String Floss Tips
- Use 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers
- Wrap the floss in a C-shape around each tooth—don't just snap it straight down
- Slide gently up and down 2–3 times per surface
- Use a fresh section of floss for each gap
- Don't skip the back side of your last molars
The Bottom Line
- Waterpik: Best for braces, implants, gum disease, ease of use, and better gum health outcomes
- String floss: Best for tight contacts, portability, low cost, and scraping adherent plaque
- Both are ADA-accepted: Choose whichever method you'll use consistently every day
- Ideal approach: Use both—string floss for tight contacts, Waterpik for gum pockets and dental work
- Any interdental cleaning beats none: If you refuse to string floss, a Waterpik is far better than doing nothing
The best flossing method is the one that becomes a daily habit. If you've struggled with string floss compliance for years, investing in a Waterpik could be the game-changer your oral health needs. If you're already a dedicated flosser, keep it up—and consider adding a water flosser for even better results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental advice. Consult your dentist or hygienist for personalized interdental cleaning recommendations.